Ford’s F150 Raptor is known for its jumping ability, and its new, smaller Ranger equivalent did just that at its reveal in Thailand last night.
The model jumped an artificial hill at the event. The sports version of the Ranger is due here in the third quarter of this year.
It brings with it a new look, unique suspension, and interestingly a new high-powered diesel engine and ten-speed automatic transmission.
“We are so excited and proud to unleash this vehicle to the public, driving it really makes you feel like a hero,” says Jamal Hameedi, chief engineer, Ford Performance.
“The Ford Performance team is excited to extend the Raptor name from our flagship off-road performance F-150 to Ranger. Just like the F-150 Raptor, the Ranger Raptor builds upon the core capability of the range of vehicles it comes from and carries the unmistakable Ford Performance DNA appearance.”
Like many of the aftermarket Raptor clones already on the road, the real model gets a large black plastic grille with FORD lettering. Beside this are new headlights with LED daytime running lights. The front bumper also includes new LED fog lamps with functional air-curtain ducts, which help to reduce air resistance of the body. There are new flared fenders made using a composite rather than metal.
The Raptor is noticeably bigger, standing at 1873mm tall, 2180mm wide and 5398mm long, with wider front and rear tracks at 1710mm. Ground clearance is increased to 283mm, while the approach angle of 32.5-degrees, ramp over angle of 24-degrees, and departure angle of 24-degrees.
The side steps were designed to deflect rock spray and durability. They are coasted in a grit-resistant paint.
The modified rear bumper comes with an integrated tow bar and two recovery hooks rated at 3.8 tonnes. The tow rating, however, falls from 3,500kg to 2,500kg.
There have been some detail changes in the interior, though the biggest difference is the Raptor branded sports seats.
Underneath the chassis frame is unique to the Raptor, with stiffened side rails and different mounts for the high-range suspension. The dampers are exclusively manufactured by Fox Racing Shox with 46.6mm piston for front and rear. Designed for off-road endurance terrain, the dampers, coupled with the long travel suspension.
The Raptor gets the Terrain Management System already need in the Everest, with Normal, Sport, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud/Sand, Rock and Baja modes.
Under the bonnet is the biggest change, with a 2-litre bi-turbo four-cylinder diesel that out-powers the 3.2-litre five-cylinder unit in the regular ranger. It produces 157kW and 500Nm of torque, and is paired to a 10-speed automatic with paddle shifters. The four-wheel drive system is part-time with low range.
Like the standard model, the Raptor gets Ford’s Sync3 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Safety features include front, side and curtain airbags, electronic stability control and trailer sway control.
